All terrain vehicles having fender assembly

ABSTRACT

Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/833,885 filed Jul. 27, 2006 and hereby incorporates the sameProvisional Application by reference.

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.11/821,972, 11/821,970, 111821,964, 11/821,909, 11/821,959, 11/821,922,11/821,921 and 11/821,963, each filed on Jun. 26, 2007, and respectivelyentitled “All Terrain Vehicle Having Layered Body Panel Configuration,”“Panel Assemblies, Vehicles, And Methods Of Manufacturing,” “All TerrainVehicles And Fender Assemblies Therefor,” “All Terrain Vehicles HavingStay Assembly,” “All Terrain Vehicles Having Seat With CompressionSurface” “All Terrain Vehicles Having Midpoint Fastener And Methods,”“Vehicles Having Fastener Extending Into Apertures Of Respective BodyPanels And Methods,” and “All Terrain Vehicles Having Swivel Clip AndMethods.” The entirety of each of these U.S. Patent Applications ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to vehicles such as, for example, allterrain vehicles (“ATVs”), as well as methods for making vehicles. Thepresent invention also relates to components and assemblies such as foruse upon vehicles such as ATVs.

BACKGROUND

A conventional body for an ATV can be formed as a panel from a singlepiece of material, such as from plastic or fiberglass. Such an ATV bodycan include wheel fenders, side panels, a gas tank cover, and otherfeatures. As such, an ATV body can be quite large in size, making itdifficult and expensive to effectively and efficiently manufacture. Inparticular, it can be difficult to manufacture such a large componentfrom plastic (e.g., due to injection molding limitations), thoughplastic is often the material of choice for manufacturing a body for anATV.

Also, since a conventional body for an ATV is often formed as a singlecomponent, any damage to the body during use of the ATV can requirecostly replacement parts as well as significant labor. Likewise, inorder to service the engine or other components of the ATV, it may benecessary to remove the body which can be difficult and time consuming.

Manufacturers of ATVs must often stock different colors of bodies for agiven ATV in order to provide a selection to customers. However, asconventional bodies for ATVs are relatively large, stocking differentcolors can be expensive and may require large volumes of warehousespace.

Wheel fenders on conventional ATVs are typically attached to the framethrough use of stay structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a rearfender assembly 556 of a conventional ATV includes a rear fender panel561 which is attached to a frame 541 of the ATV through use of a stay557. The stay 557 is formed from spring-type steel, and is attached to aleg 503 depending from a lower surface of the rear fender panel 561. Therear fender panel 561 is also shown to be bolted directly to the frame541 at an attachment location concealed by a seat 596. The seat 596 isconfigured for supporting an operator of the ATV. The stay 557 helps anouter perimeter 563 of the rear fender panel 561 to resist verticaldeflection, and accordingly provides at least some stiffness andrigidity to the rear fender panel 561 with respect to the frame 541.However, as the stay is separate from the rear fender panel 561,manufacturing and installation of the stay 557 can be time-consuming andexpensive. Also, the stay 557 is aesthetically unattractive and can beprone to snagging upon debris. Because the supporting force of the stayis localized to the leg 503 of the rear fender panel 561, damage to theleg 503 and/or other portions of the rear fender panel 561 can arise dueto stresses from repeated vertical deflection of the outer perimeter 563of the rear fender panel 561.

A conventional ATV also includes mudguards 512 and 513 which can besupported with respect to a frame of the ATV through use of a stayassembly 520, as shown in FIG. 33. The stay assembly 520 includeselongated metal wires 522 and 524 which are formed from spring-typesteel. The elongated metal wires 522 and 524 are configured to attachthe mudguard 512 to the ATV's frame. In particular, bolts 530, 532, 534,536 and corresponding swivel clips 529, 531, 533, and 535 are providedto attach the elongated metal wires 522 and 524 to the mudguard 512. Anend 525 of the elongated metal wire 524 is bent to receive a bolt 568 tofacilitate attachment of the end 525 to the ATV's frame. The oppositeend of the elongated metal wire 524 is configured to slidably engage aframe-mounted footrest (not shown). An end 542 of the elongated metalwire 522 is bent to receive a bolt 543 to facilitate attachment of theend 542 to the footrest. The opposite end 540 of the elongated metalwire 522 is attachable to the mudguard 512 through use of the bolt 532and swivel clip 531. A similar arrangement of elongated metal wires,bolts, and swivel clips is shown for attachment of the mudguard 513 tothe ATV's frame. Another elongated metal wire 526 is separate from thestay assembly 520 and extends between respective ends 527 and 528. Theend 527 attaches to a lower end of a left rear fender panel 558, whilethe end 528 attaches to a lower end of a right rear fender panel 559.The elongated metal wire 526 is also attached to the ATV's seat throughuse of brackets 538 and 539. It can be seen in FIG. 33 that thearrangement of elongated metal wires is complex, costly, unsightly, andtime consuming to install.

Conventional ATVs are often manufactured in such a manner that anoperator's seat is first attached to a fender assembly, and the fenderassembly is subsequently attached to the ATV's frame. Attachment of thefender assembly to the ATV's frame can accordingly be complicated andtime consuming, and access to components of the ATV underlying the seatand/or other portions of the ATV can be difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises aframe, a first wheel, a second wheel, a first fender panel, and a secondfender panel. The first wheel and the second wheel are each supportedwith respect to the frame. The first fender panel is attached to theframe and extends at least partially over each of the first wheel andthe second wheel. The second fender panel at least partially covers thefirst fender panel and extends at least partially over each of the firstwheel and the second wheel.

In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprisesa frame, a plurality of wheels supported with respect to the frame, afirst panel, and a second panel. The first panel is attached to theframe and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface. A portionof the first top surface provides a decorative body surface for the allterrain vehicle. The first panel continuously extends from a left sideof the all terrain vehicle to a right side of the all terrain vehicleand extends over at least two of the wheels. The first bottom surface ispositioned to receive contact from debris thrown by said at least two ofthe wheels. The second panel is removably attached to the first paneland has a second top surface and a second bottom surface. At least aportion of the second top surface provides a decorative body surface forthe all terrain vehicle. A portion of the second bottom surface isadjacent to at least a portion of the first top surface. Another portionof the second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact fromdebris thrown by at least one of the wheels.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a plurality of wheels supported with respect to theframe, a first fender panel, and a second fender panel. The first fenderpanel is attached to the frame and has a first top surface and a firstbottom surface. The first bottom surface is positioned to receivecontact from debris thrown by at least one of the wheels. The secondfender panel is attached with respect to the first panel and has asecond top surface and a second bottom surface. A portion of the secondbottom surface is adjacent to at least a portion of the first topsurface. Another portion of the second bottom surface is positioned toreceive contact from debris thrown by said at least one of the wheels.

In accordance with still another embodiment, a panel assembly comprisesa first panel, a T-nut, a second panel, and a bolt. The first paneldefines an aperture. The T-nut comprises a base portion and a neckportion. The neck portion defines a threaded aperture. The second panelcomprises a pocket which defines an opening extending through the secondpanel. The pocket is configured to receive the base portion of the T-nutin a snap-fit arrangement such that the neck portion of the T-nutextends into the opening. The bolt is configured for insertion into theaperture in the first panel and into the threaded aperture in the T-nutto facilitate attachment of the first panel to the second panel.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a panel comprises a pocket.The pocket defines an opening extending through the panel. The pocket isconfigured to receive a base portion of a T-nut in a snap-fitarrangement such that a neck portion of the T-nut extends into theopening.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a firstbody panel, a T-nut, a second body panel, and a bolt. The first bodypanel defines an aperture. The T-nut comprises a base portion and a neckportion. The neck portion defines a threaded aperture. The second bodypanel comprises a pocket. The pocket defines an opening extendingthrough the second body panel. The pocket is configured to receive thebase portion of the T-nut in a snap-fit arrangement such that the neckportion of the T-nut extends into the opening. The bolt is configuredfor insertion into the aperture in the first body panel and into thethreaded aperture in the T-nut to facilitate attachment of the firstbody panel to the second body panel.

In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprisesa first plastic fender panel, a T-nut, a second plastic fender panel,and a bolt. The first plastic fender panel defines an aperture. TheT-nut comprises a base portion and a neck portion. The neck portiondefines a threaded aperture. The second plastic fender panel comprises apocket. The pocket defines an opening extending through the second bodypanel. The pocket is configured to receive the base portion of the T-nutin a snap-fit arrangement such that the neck portion of the T-nutextends into the opening. The bolt is configured for insertion into theaperture in the first body panel and into the threaded aperture in theT-nut to facilitate attachment of the first body panel to the secondbody panel.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing avehicle comprises providing first and second body panels in at least apartially overlapping arrangement. The first body panel defines anaperture, the second body panel defines a pocket, and the pocket definesan opening extending through the second panel. A T-nut is inserted intothe pocket in a snap-fit arrangement such that a neck portion of theT-nut extends into the opening in the second body panel. The first bodypanel is attached to the second body panel by inserting a bolt into theaperture in the first body panel and into a threaded aperture in theneck portion of the T-nut.

In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a wheel supported with respect to the frame, and afender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel andan upper fender panel. The upper fender panel at least partiallyoverlaps the lower fender panel. A portion of the upper fender panelcooperates with a portion of the lower fender panel in a spacedrelationship to define both an access opening and a channel. The channelat least partially overlies the wheel and is configured to facilitatepassage of fluid along a predetermined pathway from the access openingto a predetermined egress opening.

In accordance with still another embodiment, a fender assembly isprovided for an all terrain vehicle. The fender assembly comprises alower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The upper fender panel isconfigured for attachment to the lower fender panel in a partiallyoverlapping relationship such that a portion of the upper fender panelcooperates with a portion of the lower fender panel in a spacedrelationship to define both an access opening and a channel. The channelis configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predeterminedpathway from the access opening to a predetermined egress opening.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a left wheel supported with respect to the frame, aright wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly.The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fenderpanel. The upper fender panel at least partially overlaps the lowerfender panel. A left portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with aleft portion of the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship todefine both a left access opening and a left channel. The left channelat least partially overlies the left wheel and is configured tofacilitate passage of fluid along a left predetermined pathway from theleft access opening to a predetermined egress opening. A right portionof the upper fender panel cooperates with a right portion of the lowerfender panel in a spaced relationship to define both a right accessopening and a right channel. The right channel at least partiallyoverlies the right wheel and is configured to facilitate passage offluid along a right predetermined pathway from the right access openingto a predetermined egress opening.

In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprisesa frame, a wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fenderassembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and anupper fender panel. The lower fender panel has a first top surface and afirst bottom surface and extends from a first inner end to a first outerend. The first inner end is attached to the frame. The first bottomsurface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by thewheel. The upper fender panel has a second top surface and a secondbottom surface and extends from a second inner end to a second outerend. The second inner end is attached to the frame. The upper fenderpanel is attached to the lower fender panel at an attachment locationadjacent to at least one of the first outer end and the second outerend. The second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact fromdebris thrown by the wheel. Each of the lower fender panel and the upperfender panel extends at least partially over the wheel. The lower fenderpanel and the upper fender panel cooperate to facilitate resistance ofthe attachment location to vertical deflection.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a wheel supported with respect to the frame, and afender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel andan upper fender panel. The lower fender panel extends from a first innerend to a first outer end. The upper fender panel extends from a secondinner end to a second outer end. The upper fender panel is attached tothe lower fender panel at an attachment location adjacent to at leastone of the first outer end and the second outer end. Each of the lowerfender panel and the upper fender panel extends at least partially overthe wheel. A portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a portionof the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both anaccess opening and a channel. The channel at least partially overliesthe wheel and is disposed between the first inner end and the attachmentlocation. The channel is configured to facilitate passage of fluid alonga predetermined pathway from the access opening to a predeterminedegress opening. The lower fender panel and the upper fender panelcooperate to support the attachment location with respect to the frameto facilitate resistance of the attachment location to verticaldeflection.

In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a left wheel supported with respect to the frame, aright wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly.The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fenderpanel. The lower fender panel extends from a first inner end to a firstouter end. The first inner end is attached to the frame. The upperfender panel extends from a second inner end to a second outer end. Thesecond inner end is attached to the frame. The upper fender panel isattached to the lower fender panel at an attachment location adjacent toat least one of the first outer end and the second outer end. Each ofthe lower fender panel and the upper fender panel extends at leastpartially over each of the left wheel and the right wheel. The lowerfender panel and the upper fender panel cooperate to support theattachment location to facilitate resistance of the attachment locationto vertical deflection.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a rear wheel, a fender assembly, a footrest, amudguard, and a stay assembly. The rear wheel is supported with respectto the frame. The fender assembly extends at least partially over therear wheel. The stay assembly comprises a first elongated metal wire anda second elongated metal wire. Each of the first elongated metal wireand the second elongated metal wire are attached to each of the frame,the fender assembly, the footrest, and the mudguard.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a fender assembly, a mudguard, and an elongated metalwire attached to each of the frame, the fender assembly, and themudguard. The elongated metal wire is configured to facilitateconsistent spacing between the mudguard and the fender assembly.

In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a fender assembly, a mudguard, and a stay assemblyattached to each of the frame, the fender assembly, and the mudguard.

In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a wheel, a fender assembly, and a seat. The wheel issupported with respect to the frame. The fender assembly extends atleast partially over the wheel and comprises an inside edge portion. Theseat comprises a compression surface and is configured for selectiveattachment to the frame. The compression surface is configured, uponattachment of the seat to the frame, to contact and sandwich the insideedge portion of the fender assembly between the compression surface andthe frame.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a wheel, a fender assembly, and a seat. The wheel issupported with respect to the frame. The fender assembly comprises anupper fender panel and a lower fender panel which each extend at leastpartially over the wheel. The upper fender panel comprises an upperinside edge portion. The lower fender panel comprises a lower insideedge portion. The upper inside edge portion overlaps the lower insideedge portion. The seat comprises a compression surface and is configuredfor selective attachment to the frame. The compression surface isconfigured, upon attachment of the seat to the frame, to contact theupper inside edge portion and to sandwich both the upper inside edgeportion and the lower inside edge portion between the compressionsurface and the frame.

In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprisesa frame, a left wheel, a right wheel, a fender assembly, and a seat.Each of the left wheel and the right wheel are supported with respect tothe frame. The fender assembly comprises a left upper fender panel, aleft lower fender panel, a right upper fender panel, and a right lowerfender panel. The left upper fender panel and the left lower fenderpanel each extend at least partially over the left wheel. The rightupper fender panel and the right lower fender panel each extend at leastpartially over the right wheel. The left upper fender panel comprises aleft upper inside edge portion. The left lower fender panel comprises aleft lower inside edge portion. The left upper inside edge portionoverlaps the left lower inside edge portion. The right upper fenderpanel comprises a right upper inside edge portion. The right lowerfender panel comprises a right lower inside edge portion. The rightupper inside edge portion overlaps the right lower inside edge portion.The seat comprises a left compression surface and a right compressionsurface and is configured for selective attachment to the frame. Theseat is configured, upon attachment of the seat to the frame, such thatthe left compression surface contacts the left upper inside edge portionto sandwich both the left upper inside edge portion and the left lowerinside edge portion between the left compression surface and the frame,and such that the right compression surface contacts the right upperinside edge portion to sandwich both the right upper inside edge portionand the right lower inside edge portion between the right compressionsurface and the frame.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a front fender assembly, a rear fender assembly, anda midpoint fastener. The frame extends from a forward end to a rearwardend. The frame comprises a forward attachment structure disposedadjacent to the forward end, a rearward attachment structure disposedadjacent to the rearward end, and a midpoint attachment structuredisposed about midway between the forward end and the rearward end. Thefront fender assembly is attached to each of the forward attachmentstructure and the midpoint attachment structure and extends at leastpartially over a front wheel. The rear fender assembly is attached toeach of the midpoint attachment structure and the rearward attachmentstructure and extends at least partially over a rear wheel. The midpointfastener is inserted into first aligning apertures defined by each ofthe front fender assembly, the rear fender assembly, and the midpointattachment structure.

In accordance with still another embodiment, a method of assembling anall terrain vehicle comprising providing a frame extending from aforward end to a rearward end. The frame comprises a forward attachmentstructure disposed adjacent to the forward end, a rearward attachmentstructure disposed adjacent to the rearward end, and a midpointattachment structure disposed about midway between the forward end andthe rearward end. A front fender assembly is attached to each of theforward attachment structure and the midpoint attachment structure suchthat the front fender assembly is configured to extend at leastpartially over a front wheel. A rear fender assembly is attached to eachof the midpoint attachment structure and the rearward attachmentstructure such that the rear fender assembly is configured to extend atleast partially over a rear wheel. A midpoint fastener is inserted intofirst aligning apertures defined by each of the front fender assembly,the rear fender assembly, and the midpoint attachment structure.

In accordance with still another embodiment, a vehicle comprises aframe, a first body panel, a second body panel, a sleeve, a grommet, anda fastener. The frame defines a threaded aperture. The first body paneldefines a first aperture. The second body panel defines a secondaperture. The sleeve defines a longitudinally extending sleeve bore. Thesleeve extends into the first aperture in the first body panel. Thegrommet has a grommet exterior surface and defines a grommet boreextending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The grommetbore surrounds the sleeve. The grommet exterior surface defines anannular channel having a reduced diameter as compared to longitudinallyadjacent annular portions of the grommet disposed upon opposite sides ofthe annular channel. One of the longitudinally adjacent annular portionsdefines the first end, while the other of the longitudinally adjacentannular portions defines the second end. The second aperture surroundsthe annular channel such that a portion of the second body panel isretained within the annular channel. The first end contacts the firstbody panel adjacent to the first aperture. The fastener extends throughthe first aperture and the sleeve bore and into the threaded aperture inthe frame. The fastener is configured to compress the grommet betweenthe first body panel and the frame.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame,a first body panel, a second body panel, a fastener, and a grommet. Theframe defines a threaded aperture. The first body panel defines a firstaperture. The second body panel defines a second aperture. The firstbody panel at least partially overlaps the second body panel such thatthe first aperture aligns with the second aperture. The fastener extendsinto each of the first aperture, the second aperture, and the threadedaperture to facilitate attachment of the first body panel and the secondbody panel to the frame. The grommet surrounds a portion of thefastener. The grommet is disposed between the first body panel and thesecond body panel to prevent the first body panel from contacting thesecond body panel adjacent to the fastener. The grommet is disposedbetween the second body panel and the frame to prevent the second bodypanel from contacting the frame adjacent to the fastener.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of assembling avehicle comprises overlapping respective first and second body panelssuch that a first aperture in the first body panel aligns with a secondaperture in a second body panel. A grommet is disposed between a portionof the first body panel adjacent to the first aperture and a portion ofthe second body panel adjacent to the second aperture. The grommet isadditionally disposed between a frame and a portion of the second bodypanel adjacent to the second aperture. The grommet defines a grommetbore. A sleeve is inserted through the grommet bore. The sleeve definesa sleeve bore which aligns with the first aperture and the secondaperture. A fastener is inserted into the first aperture, the sleevebore, and a threaded aperture in the frame to facilitate attachment ofthe first body panel and the second body panel to the frame.

In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprisesa frame, a body panel, an elongated metal wire, and a ribbon. Theelongated metal wire is attached to the body panel and has alongitudinal portion. The ribbon extends from a first end to a secondend. The ribbon at least partially surrounds the longitudinal portion ofthe elongated metal wire such that the first end overlaps the secondend. The first end and the second end are attached to the frame suchthat the elongated metal wire is movably attached to the frame by theribbon.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehiclecomprises a frame, a fender assembly, a mudguard, an elongated metalwire, and a swivel clip. The elongated metal wire has a longitudinalportion. The elongated metal wire is attached to the fender assembly andthe mudguard on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion. The swivelclip comprises a retention portion and a mounting portion. The retentionportion at least partially surrounds the longitudinal portion of theelongated metal wire. The mounting portion is attached to the frame suchthat the elongated metal wire is movably attached to the frame.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of attaching a bodypanel to a frame of an all terrain vehicle comprises attaching anelongated metal wire to a body panel. A ribbon is wrapped at leastpartially around a longitudinal portion of the elongated metal wire.Respective apertures are aligned in respective ends of the ribbon. Afastener is inserted through the respective apertures in the ribbon andinto another aperture provided in the frame of the all terrain vehicleto facilitate movable attachment of the elongated metal wire withrespect to the frame of the all terrain vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thesame will be better understood from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view depicting an ATV in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view depicting the ATV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view depicting the frame, the lower frontfender panel, and the lower rear fender panel of the ATV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view depicting the components of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view depicting the upper front fenderpanel and the upper rear fender panel of the ATV of FIG. 1 in explodedassociation with the components of FIGS. 3-4;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view depicting the components of FIG. 5 asassembled and in association with a bolt;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view depicting certain of the components ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view depicting the lower front fender panel and thelower rear fender panel of FIG. 3 apart from the frame;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view depicting a rear portion of the ATV of FIGS.1-2, wherein the seat has been removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting a rear portion of the ATV ofFIGS. 1-2, wherein the seat and other components have been removed forclarity of illustration;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view depicting a rear portion of the ATVof FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 12-12 inFIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view depicting a fender assembly of aconventional ATV;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view depicting a portion of the rear fenderassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view depicting a portion of the lower rearfender panel apart from the other components of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view depicting the portion of the lowerrear fender panel of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view depicting the portion of the lowerrear fender panel of FIG. 15 in association with T-nuts;

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view depicting the portion of the lowerrear fender panel of FIG. 16 in association with T-nuts and bolts;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 19-19 inFIG. 14, wherein both of the bolts are depicted in elevation and one ofthe bolts is shown to be partially removed;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view depicting selected components of theATV of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view depicting an enlargement of a portionof FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view depicting the components of FIG. 20in association with a portion of a frame;

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view depicting the components of FIG. 22wherein the fuel tank cover has been removed for clarity ofillustration;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 24-24 inFIG. 21, wherein the bolt and the push pin are shown in elevation;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 25-25 inFIG. 21, wherein the bolt is shown in elevation;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view depicting an enlargement of a portion ofFIG. 10, wherein a bolt and collar is shown to be removed;

FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the seat removed from the ATV ofFIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view depicting the seat in associationwith the rear fender assembly and frame of the ATV of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view depicting selected components of the ATVof FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view depicting the components of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 a perspective view depicting an enlargement of a portion of FIG.29;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 32-32 inFIG. 31, wherein the bolt is shown in elevation;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view depicting a conventional rearfender assembly, mudguards, and certain other components such asprovided upon a conventional ATV;

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a fastener arrangement involving twooverlapping panels, wherein the bolt is depicted in elevation and in anuntightened orientation;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the components of FIG. 34, wherein thebolt is depicted in elevation and in a tightened orientation;

FIG. 36 is a front perspective view depicting a frame, a lower frontfender panel, and a lower rear fender panel of an ATV in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 36 a is a rear perspective view depicting the components of FIG.36;

FIG. 37 is a front perspective view depicting an upper front fenderpanel and an upper rear fender panel in exploded association with thecomponents of FIGS. 36-36 a;

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view depicting the components of FIG. 37as assembled; and

FIG. 38 a is a rear perspective view depicting certain of the componentsof FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with theviews and examples of FIGS. 1-12, 14-32, 34-36, 36 a, 37-38 and 38 a,wherein like numbers may indicate the same or corresponding elementsthroughout the views. Certain embodiments will be described herein withreference to an ATV. It will be appreciated that an ATV can comprise asaddle-type vehicle suitable for off-road, sport and/or utility use by adriver and perhaps one or more passengers. Although many of the examplesprovided herein relate to an ATV, it will be appreciated that certainembodiments may also have applicability to other types of vehicles suchas, for example, automobiles, trucks, vans, personal watercraft,aircraft, motorcycles, boats, toys, and construction equipment, forexample.

In one embodiment, such as that depicted in FIGS. 1-2, for example, anATV 40 can comprise four wheels supported with respect to a frame 41 ofthe ATV 40. In particular, the ATV 40 is shown to comprise a left frontwheel 42, a right front wheel 43, a left rear wheel 44 and a right rearwheel 45. However, in alternative embodiments, an ATV can comprise adiffering numbers of wheels. For example, an ATV might comprise a totalof three wheels, wherein one wheel is a front wheel and the remainingtwo wheels are rear wheels. As another example, an ATV might comprise atotal of five wheels, wherein one wheel is a front wheel and theremaining four wheels are rear wheels in a tandem axle configuration. Instill another example, an ATV might comprise a total of six wheels,wherein two wheels are front wheels and the remaining four wheels arerear wheels in a tandem axle configuration.

Regardless of the number of wheels provided upon an ATV, the ATV caninclude a fender assembly. The fender assembly can be configured toprevent debris from being thrown from the ATV's wheels and upon anoperator and/or passenger(s) of an ATV during travel of the ATV. Suchdebris might include, for example, dirt, brush, rocks, or moisture. Inone embodiment, the fender assembly can be configured to provide atleast some coverage of each wheel present upon the ATV. However, inanother embodiment, the fender assembly might only provide at least somecoverage of certain wheels present upon the ATV. In one embodiment suchas, for example, in FIGS. 1-2, an ATV 40 is shown to comprise a frontfender assembly 46 and a rear fender assembly 56. The front fenderassembly 46 is shown to be configured to prevent debris from beingthrown from the left and right front wheels 42 and 43 and upon anoperator and/or passenger(s) of the ATV 40 during travel of the ATV 40.Likewise, the rear fender assembly 56 is shown to be configured toprevent debris from being thrown from the left and right rear wheels 44and 45 and upon an operator and/or passenger(s) of the ATV 40 duringtravel of the ATV 40. It will be appreciated that fender assemblies canbe provided upon an ATV or other vehicle in any of a variety of othersuitable configurations or arrangements.

The structure of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 of the ATV40 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-12 and 14-32.Referring now, collectively, to FIGS. 1-12, it can be seen that each ofthe front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 can comprise a layeredarrangement involving fender panels which at least partially overlap oneanother. In particular, the front fender assembly 46 is shown tocomprise a lower front fender panel 47 and an upper front fender panel50 which together provide a fender for the left and right front wheels42 and 43 of the ATV 40. The lower front fender panel 47 is shown tocomprise a left lower front fender portion 48 and a right lower frontfender portion 49. The lower front fender panel 47 can be attached tothe frame 41 such that the left lower front fender portion 48 extends atleast partially over the left front wheel 42, and such that the rightlower front fender portion 49 extends at least partially over the rightfront wheel 43. The lower front fender panel 47 is shown to comprise atop surface 48 a and a bottom surface 48 b. Portions of the top surface48 a corresponding with each of the left and right lower front fenderportions 48 and 49 can provide a decorative body surface for the ATV 40.It will be appreciated that decorative body surfaces are those bodypanel portions which are readily apparent to an onlooker of the ATV. Itwould be common for an operator to wash, wax, and perhaps even buff suchsurfaces to improve the aesthetic appearance of the ATV. Portions of thebottom surface 48 b corresponding with each of the left and right lowerfront fender portions 48 and 49 are shown to be positioned for receivingcontact from debris respectively thrown by the left front wheel 42 andthe right front wheel 43.

The upper front fender panel 50 is shown to at least partially cover thelower front fender panel 47 and to comprise a left upper front fenderportion 51 and a right upper front fender portion 52. The upper frontfender panel 50 can be attached to the frame 41 and/or the lower frontfender panel 47 such that the left upper front fender portion 51 extendsat least partially over the left front wheel 42, and such that the rightupper front fender portion 52 extends at least partially over the rightfront wheel 43. The upper front fender panel 50 is shown to comprise atop surface 51 a and a bottom surface 51 b. At least part of the topsurface 51 a corresponding with each of the left and right upper frontfender portions 51 and 52 can provide a decorative body surface for theATV 40. Portions of the bottom surface 51 b corresponding with each ofthe left and right upper front fender portions 51 and 52 are shown to bepositioned for receiving contact from debris respectively thrown by theleft front wheel 42 and the right front wheel 43. In this manner, itwill be appreciated that both the lower and upper front fender panels 47and 50 can each receive contact from debris thrown from the left andright front wheels 42 and 43, and can also each serve as decorative bodypanels.

The lower and upper front fender panels 47 and 50 can be attached withrespect to the remainder of the ATV 40 such that a portion of the bottomsurface 51 b of the upper front fender panel 50 is adjacent to at leasta portion of the top surface 48 a of the lower front fender panel 47. Inone embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface 51 b of theupper front fender panel 50 contacts at least a portion of the topsurface 48 a of the lower front fender panel 47. Also, the upper frontfender panel 50 is shown to continuously extend from a left side of theATV 40 to a right side of the ATV 40. In certain other embodiments, oneor both of the lower and upper front fender panels might or might notcontinuously extend from a left side of the ATV to a right side of theATV. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the lower front fender panel 47can extend to an outer perimeter 53, and a portion of the lower frontfender panel 47 can extend beyond a portion of an outer perimeter 54 ofthe upper front fender panel 50. In addition or alternatively, adifferent portion of the upper front fender panel might extend beyond aportion of an outer perimeter of the lower front fender panel.

In one embodiment, the lower and upper front fender panels 47 and 50 canbe formed from similar materials (e.g., plastic), and might even havethe same color. In other embodiments, the lower and upper front fenderpanels 47 and 50 can be formed from different materials (e.g., one fromplastic and the other from steel), and/or to have different colors. Theupper front fender panel 50 can be removably attached to the frame 41and/or the lower front fender panel 47 so as to enable an operator toeasily, quickly and inexpensively change the color profile of ATV 40 bysimply replacing the upper front fender panel 50 and without replacingthe lower front fender panel 47. In addition, it will be appreciatedthat a layered body panel configuration as described herein can providecertain structural advantages, aesthetic advantages, and otheradvantages in manufacturing or servicing the ATV 40, or otherwise, someof which are described herein.

The rear fender assembly 56 is shown to comprise a lower rear fenderpanel 57 and an upper rear fender panel 60 which together provide afender for the left and right rear wheels 44 and 45 of the ATV 40. Thelower rear fender panel 57 is shown to comprise a left lower rear fenderportion 58 and a right lower rear fender portion 59. The lower rearfender panel 57 can be attached to the frame 41 such that the left lowerrear fender portion 58 extends at least partially over the left rearwheel 44, and such that the right lower rear fender portion 59 extendsat least partially over the right rear wheel 45. The lower rear fenderpanel 57 is shown to comprise a top surface 58 a and a bottom surface 58b. Portions of the top surface 58 a corresponding with each of the leftand right lower rear fender portions 58 and 59 can provide a decorativebody surface for the ATV 40. Portions of the bottom surface 58 bcorresponding with each of the left and right lower rear fender portions58 and 59 are shown to be positioned for receiving contact from debrisrespectively thrown by the left rear wheel 44 and the right rear wheel45.

The upper rear fender panel 60 is shown to at least partially cover thelower rear fender panel 57 and to comprise a left upper rear fenderportion 61 and a right upper rear fender portion 62. The upper rearfender panel 60 can be attached to the frame 41 and/or the lower rearfender panel 57 such that the left upper rear fender portion 61 extendsat least partially over the left rear wheel 44, and such that the rightupper rear fender portion 62 extends at least partially over the rightrear wheel 45. The upper rear fender panel 60 is shown to comprise a topsurface 61 a and a bottom surface 61 b. At least part of the top surface61 a corresponding with each of the left and right upper rear fenderportions 61 and 62 can provide a decorative body surface for the ATV 40.Portions of the bottom surface 61 b corresponding with each of the leftand right upper rear fender portions 61 and 62 are shown to bepositioned for receiving contact from debris respectively thrown by theleft rear wheel 44 and the right rear wheel 45. In this manner, it willbe appreciated that both the lower and upper rear fender panels 57 and60 can each receive contact from debris from the left and right rearwheels 44 and 45, and can also each serve as decorative body panels.

The lower and upper rear fender panels 57 and 60 can be attached withrespect to the remainder of the ATV 40 such that a portion of the bottomsurface 61 b of the upper rear fender panel 60 is adjacent to at least aportion of the top surface 58 a of the lower rear fender panel 57. Inone embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface 61 b of theupper rear fender panel 60 contacts at least a portion of the topsurface 58 a of the lower rear fender panel 57. Also, each of the lowerand upper rear fender panels 57 and 60 are shown to continuously extendfrom a left side of the ATV 40 to a right side of the ATV 40. In certainother embodiments, one or both of the lower and upper rear fender panelsmight not continuously extend from a left side of the ATV to a rightside of the ATV. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, for example, the lower rearfender panel 57 can extend to an outer perimeter 63, and a portion ofthe lower rear fender panel 57 can extend beyond a portion of an outerperimeter 64 of the upper rear fender panel 60. In addition oralternatively, a different portion of the upper rear fender panel 60might extend beyond a portion of the outer perimeter 63 of the lowerrear fender panel 57.

In one embodiment, the lower and upper rear fender panels 57 and 60 canbe formed from similar materials (e.g., plastic), and might even havethe same color. In other embodiments, the lower and upper rear fenderpanels 57 and 60 can be formed from different materials (e.g., one fromplastic and the other from steel), and/or to have different colors. Theupper rear fender panel 60 can be removably attached to the frame 41and/or the lower rear fender panel 57 so as to enable an operator toeasily, quickly and inexpensively change the color profile of ATV 40 bysimply replacing the upper rear fender panel 60 and without replacingthe lower rear fender panel 57.

The front fender assembly 46 is shown to be provided separately from therear fender assembly 56. However in an alternative embodiment, it willbe appreciated that at least part of a front fender assembly might beprovided integrally (e.g., through a common molding process) with atleast part of a rear fender assembly. For example, in one alternativeembodiment, a lower front fender panel might be formed integrally with alower rear fender panel (e.g., such that the panel may extend from aforward end of an ATV to a rearward end of the ATV). An upper frontfender panel might additionally or alternatively be formed integrallywith an upper rear fender panel (e.g., such that the panel may extendfrom a forward end of an ATV to a rearward end of the ATV). However, byfacilitating provision of separate front and rear fender assemblies, itwill be appreciated that manufacturability of the fender assemblies canbe rendered more efficient and less costly such as, for example, byenabling use of smaller molding equipment. Also, while certain fenderpanels are described and/or depicted herein as extending at leastpartially over two respective wheels of an ATV, it will be appreciatedthat in certain circumstances, one or more fender panels can extend atleast partially over only one wheel of an ATV, or alternatively overthree or more respective wheels of an ATV.

It will be appreciated that a layered fender assembly in accordance withone embodiment, and such as described above with respect to the frontfender assembly 46 and the rear fender assembly 56, can exhibitsufficient strength and rigidity so as to eliminate need for certain orall of the elongated metal wire stays (e.g., 557 in FIG. 13 as describedabove) which are conventionally employed for supporting fenderassemblies upon ATVs. As wire stays are cumbersome, difficult toinstall, prone to snagging, and expensive, it will be appreciated that afender assembly in accordance with one embodiment can providesignificant advantages by removing the need for certain or allsupporting wire stays. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and12, it can be seen that the left lower rear fender portion 58 extendsfrom an inner end 58 c to an outer end 58 d. Likewise, the left upperrear fender portion 61 extends from an inner end 61 c to an outer end 61d. Each of the inner ends 58 c and 61 c are shown in FIG. 12 to beattached to the frame 41 of the ATV 40. In particular, the inner end 58c of the left lower rear fender portion 58 is shown in FIG. 12 tocontact the inner end 61 c of the left upper rear fender portion 61, anda bolt 122 is shown to pass through a collar 123 and into alignedapertures in each of the inner ends 58 c, 61 c and the frame 41.However, the inner ends 58 c and 61 c can be directly or indirectlyattached to the frame 41 of the ATV 40 in any of a variety of suitablealternative configurations which may or may not involve fasteners suchas bolts.

In one embodiment, the left lower rear fender portion 58 is shown inFIG. 12 to integrally comprise a leg 103 depending beneath the leftlower rear fender portion 58 adjacent to the inner end 58 c. The leg 103can be configured to laterally compress against the frame 41, as shownin FIG. 12, such as for transmitting forces to the frame 41 arising fromdownward vertical deflection of the rear fender assembly 56 (e.g., suchas if a heavy object were dropped upon the rear fender assembly 56). Theleg 103 is shown to comprise a rubber bumper 104 which is configured tocontact the frame 41.

The left upper rear fender portion 61 can be attached to the left lowerrear fender portion 58 at an attachment location 90. While theattachment location 90 can be provided adjacent to at least one of theouter ends 58 d and 61 d, it can be seen in that, in the embodiment ofFIG. 12, the attachment location 90 is adjacent to the outer end 61 d ofthe left upper rear fender portion 61, and that the outer end 58 d ofthe left lower rear fender portion 58 defines at least a portion of theouter perimeter of the rear fender assembly 56. In an alternativeembodiment, the attachment location can be adjacent to the outer end ofthe left lower rear fender portion, and the outer end of the left upperrear fender portion can define at least a portion of the outer perimeterof the rear fender assembly.

The left upper rear fender portion 61 can be attached to the left lowerrear fender portion 58 at the attachment location 90 in any of a varietyof suitable configurations. One of these configurations is described indetail below in connection with FIGS. 14-19. In one embodiment, as shownin FIG. 19, for example, the left upper rear fender portion 61 contactsthe left lower rear fender portion 58 at the attachment location 90.

However, regardless of how the left upper rear fender portion 61 isattached to the left lower rear fender portion 58 at the attachmentlocation 90, it will be appreciated that the left upper rear fenderportion 61 and the left lower rear fender portion 58 can cooperate tofacilitate resistance of the attachment location 90 and/or an outerperimeter of the rear fender assembly 56 to vertical deflection (i.e.,without the use of convention elongated metal wire stays such as 557 inFIG. 13). By attaching the left upper rear fender portion 61 to the leftlower rear fender portion 58 at the inner ends 58 c, 61 c and at theattachment location 90, it will be appreciated that the portions of theleft upper rear fender portion 61 and the left lower rear fender portion58 spanning this distance enter a tension/compression relationship as avertical load is applied to the left portion of the rear fender assembly56. This tension/compression relationship facilitates resistance tovertical deflection, and without the presence of elongated metal wirestays such as 557 in FIG. 13, as well as sufficient resilience torecover from such vertical deflection. It will be appreciated that afender assembly can be subjected to vertical deflection such as when aheavy object falls upon the fender assembly, when an operator leans orsits upon the fender assembly, when excessive cargo is hauled upon thefender assembly, or when the vehicle collides, for example.

It will be appreciated that the right portion of the rear fenderassembly 56 can be provided in an arrangement similar to that describedabove with respect to the left portion of the rear fender assembly 56for avoiding the presence of one or more elongated metal wire stays asare conventionally employed to facilitate resistance of a fenderassembly to vertical deflection. In particular, each of the right lowerrear fender portion 59 and the right upper rear fender portion 62 canhave respective inner ends and respective outer ends. The respectiveinner ends can be attached to the frame 41, and the right lower rearfender portion 59 and the right upper rear fender portion 62 can beattached together at an attachment location 91 disposed adjacent to atleast one of the respective outer ends (e.g., the outer end of the rightupper rear fender portion 62 as shown in FIG. 6).

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the front fender assembly 46can be arranged similarly to the rear fender assembly 56 to avoid thepresence of one or more elongated metal wire stays as are conventionallyemployed for resisting vertical deflection of a fender assembly. Forexample, each of the left lower front fender portion 48 and the leftupper front fender portion 51 can have respective inner ends 48 c, 51 cand respective outer ends 48 d, 51 d. The respective inner ends 48 c, 51c can be attached to the frame 41 as described above with respect to theinner ends 58 c, 61 c. The left lower front fender portion 48 and theleft upper front fender portion 51 can be attached together at anattachment location 88 disposed adjacent to the outer end 51 d of theleft upper front fender portion 51.

Likewise, each of the right lower front fender portion 49 and the rightupper front fender portion 52 can be provided in a similar arrangementwhich avoids the presence of one or more elongated metal wire stays asare conventionally employed. In particular, each of the right lowerfront fender portion 49 and the right upper front fender portion 52 canhave respective inner ends and respective outer ends. The respectiveinner ends can be attached to the frame 41, and the right lower frontfender portion 49 and the right upper front fender portion 52 can beattached together at an attachment location 89 disposed adjacent to atleast one of the respective outer ends (e.g., the outer end of the rightupper front fender portion 52 as shown in FIG. 6).

One or more channels can be provided in the front fender assembly 46and/or the rear fender assembly 56 to facilitate the passage of fluidalong one or more predetermined pathways. Such fluid can include, forexample, mud, air, and water. The channels can be configured tofacilitate cleaning of mud from between overlapping fenders on the ATV40, and can also facilitate passage of air for cooling of components(e.g., radiator, transmission, engine, or electronics) of the ATV 40,and can additionally provide aesthetic value.

In one embodiment, the rear fender assembly 56 can define two channels73, 76. In particular, the left upper rear fender portion 61 is shown tocooperate with the left lower rear fender portion 58 in a spacedrelationship to define both an access opening 72 and the channel 73. Theaccess opening 72 is shown to be directed toward a forward end 106 ofthe ATV 40. The channel 73 is shown to be partially defined by adepressed portion in the lower rear fender panel 57. The channel 73 isshown to be disposed between the inner ends 58 c, 61 c and theattachment location 90 such that the left upper rear fender portion 61is attached to the left lower rear fender portion 58 on opposite sidesof the channel 73. The channel 73 is shown to at least partially overliethe left rear wheel 44 and to be configured to facilitate passage offluid along a predetermined pathway 80 from the access opening 72 topredetermined egress openings 74 (see FIGS. 9 and 11) and 77 (see FIG.9). The channel 73 can extend in a direction which is generallylongitudinally oriented from the forward end 106 of the ATV 40 to arearward end 107 of the ATV 40 such that the predetermined pathway 80 isso routed, as shown best in FIG. 9. However, it will be appreciated thata channel can be defined between overlapping body panels in any of avariety of other configurations.

Much as described above with respect to the access opening 72 and thechannel 73, the right upper rear fender portion 62 is shown to cooperatewith the right lower rear fender portion 59 in a spaced relationship todefine both an access opening 75 and the channel 76. The channel 76 isshown to at least partially overlie the right rear wheel 45 and to beconfigured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway81 from the access opening 75 to the predetermined egress opening 74(see FIGS. 9 and 11) and to a predetermined egress opening 87 (see FIG.9). The channel 76 can extend in a direction which is generallylongitudinally oriented from the forward end 106 of the ATV 40 to therearward end 107 of the ATV 40 such that the predetermined pathway 81 isso routed, as shown best in FIG. 9.

The predetermined egress opening 74 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 to bedirected downwardly and to be at least partially defined by the lowerrear fender panel 57 at a location near a rearward end 107 of the ATV 40and disposed midway between the left and right sides of the ATV 40. Thepredetermined egress opening 74 might additionally or alternatively beat least partially defined by the upper rear fender panel 60. In thisconfiguration, it will be appreciated that a substantial portion of thefluid captured by the access openings 72, 75 and the channels 73, 76 canbe directed through the predetermined egress opening 74 to a locationbehind the ATV 40. Much or all of the remaining fluid (e.g.,slower-moving fluid) captured by the access openings 72, 75 and thechannels 73, 76 can be directed through the predetermined egressopenings 77, 87 to a location beneath the ATV 40. Inside portions of thelower and upper rear fender panels 57, 60 (e.g., adjacent to left lowerand upper inside edge portions 84, 83 discussed below) can be raised orotherwise formed to prevent such fluid from accessing certain areasdisposed beneath a seat 96 of the ATV 40 which might, for example,include an air intake box for the engine of the ATV 40. However, it willbe appreciated that one or more predetermined egress openings might beprovided in any of a variety of alternative locations and arrangements(e.g., see the embodiment of FIGS. 36, 36 a, 37, 38, and 38 a).

As described above with respect to the rear fender assembly 56, thefront fender assembly 46 can define two channels 67, 70. In particular,the left upper front fender portion 51 is shown to cooperate with theleft lower front fender portion 48 in a spaced relationship to defineboth an access opening 66 and the channel 67. The channel 67 is shown toat least partially overlie the left front wheel 42 and to be configuredto facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway 78 from theaccess opening 66 to a predetermined egress opening 68. The channel 67can extend in a direction which is generally longitudinally orientedfrom the forward end 106 of the ATV 40 to the rearward end 107 of theATV 40 such that the predetermined pathway 78 is so routed.

As described above with respect to the access opening 66 and the channel67, the right upper front fender portion 52 is shown to cooperate withthe right lower front fender portion 49 in a spaced relationship todefine both an access opening 69 and the channel 70. The channel 70 isshown to at least partially overlie the right front wheel 43 and to beconfigured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway79 from the access opening 69 to a predetermined egress opening 71(shown in FIG. 4). The channel 70 can extend in a direction which isgenerally longitudinally oriented from the forward end 106 of the ATV 40to the rearward end 107 of the ATV 40 such that the predeterminedpathway 79 is so routed.

As previously indicated, the lower and upper rear fender panels 57, 60can be attached to the frame 41 by passing fasteners (e.g., bolt 122 inFIG. 12) through aligned apertures in inner ends (e.g., 58 c, 61 c) offender portions (e.g., 58, 61) and into apertures (e.g., threadedapertures) in the frame 41. In accordance with one embodiment, the lowerand upper rear fender panels 57, 60 can be attached to the frame 41prior to attachment of the seat 96 to the frame 41. The seat 96 is shownin FIG. 27 to include hooks 92 and 93 for respectively and selectivelyinterfacing catches 94 and 95 which are attached to the frame 41, asshown in FIG. 10. Through use of the hooks 92, 93 and catches 94, 95,for example, the seat 96 can be configured for selective attachment tothe frame 41. When the seat 96 is not attached to the frame 41, as shownin FIG. 10, it can be seen that the area beneath the seat can beaccessible for servicing and cleaning, for example. Accordingly, it willbe appreciated that an ability to conveniently remove and attach theseat in this manner can be advantageous.

The seat 96 is shown in FIG. 27 to include a left bumper member 97 and aright bumper member 99 which each depend from a bottom surface of theseat 96. The left bumper member 97 is shown to comprise a leftcompression surface 98, and the right bumper member 99 is shown tocomprise a right compression surface 100. In one embodiment, each of theleft and right compression surfaces 98, 100 comprise rubber. In anotherembodiment, each of the left and right bumper members 97, 99 are formedpartially or completely from rubber. While one or more of thecompression surfaces and/or bumper members might be provided integrallywith other portions of the seat, it will be appreciated that they mightalternatively be attached to other portions of the seat with adhesives,fasteners, interlocking mechanical structures, or the like.

When the seat 96 is attached to the frame 41, as shown in FIG. 28, theleft compression surface 98 is shown to contact a left upper inside edgeportion 83 of the left upper rear fender portion 61 provided at theinner end 61 c of the left upper rear fender portion 61. The left upperinside edge portion 83 is shown to overlap and contact a left lowerinside edge portion 84 of the left lower rear fender portion 58 providedat the inner end 58 c of the left lower rear fender portion 58 (see alsoFIG. 12). A portion of the left lower inside edge portion 84 whichcorresponds with the left compression surface 98 is shown in FIG. 28 tocontact the frame 41 as well as to contact a portion of the left upperinside edge portion 83 which corresponds with the left compressionsurface 98. In this manner, upon attachment of the seat 96 to the frame41 as shown in FIG. 28, the left bumper member 97 sandwiches both theleft upper inside edge portion 83 and the left lower inside edge portion84 between the left compression surface 98 and the frame 41. Similarly,upon attachment of the seat 96 to the frame 41, the right bumper member99 sandwiches both a right upper inside edge portion 85 (see FIG. 5) anda right lower inside edge portion 86 (see FIG. 3) between the rightcompression surface 100 and the frame 41. In doing so, and by assistingthe aforementioned fasteners (e.g., bolt 122 in FIG. 12), the left andright bumper members 97, 99 sandwich the respective edge portions 83,84, 85, 86 of the respective fender portions 61, 58, 62, 59 tofacilitate securement of the rear fender assembly 56 with respect to theframe 41. The left and right bumper members 97, 99 can also serve toprevent vibration of the rear fender assembly 56 with respect to theframe 41.

An attachment location of overlapping fender panels can be achieved inany of a variety of suitable configurations. One of those configurationswill now be described with reference to the attachment location 90 andin connection with the views of FIGS. 14-19. It will be appreciated thatthe attachment location 91 (see FIG. 10) can be provided in anarrangement similar to that described below with respect to theattachment location 90. It will also be appreciated that the attachmentlocations 88 and 89 can also be provided in an arrangement similar tothat described below with respect to the attachment location 90, exceptthat instead of two bolts (i.e., 330, 380 shown in FIG. 19) and pockets(i.e., 312, 362 also shown in FIG. 19) as are shown in connection withthe attachment location 90, each of the attachment locations 88 and 89are shown to only comprise a single bolt (which would accordingly eachinvolve only a single pocket). It will be appreciated, however, that anattachment location involving overlapping panels can involve any numberof bolts and pockets.

In particular, at the attachment location 90, bolts 330 and 380 areshown to pass through respective apertures 310 and 360 in the left upperrear fender portion 61. The left upper rear fender portion 61 cancomprise annular portions (e.g., 358 in FIG. 19) surrounding andinteriorly defining each of the apertures 310 and 360. The annularportions can be raised with respect to and/or have a greater thicknessthan portions of the left upper rear fender portion 61 exteriorlyadjacent to the annular portions. The annular portions can be configuredto contact respective compression surfaces (e.g., 384 in FIG. 19) ofrespective bolts (e.g., 380 in FIG. 19), and can be configured tomitigate creep effects in the left upper rear fender portion 61resulting from tightening of the bolts (e.g., 380). For example,referring to FIG. 19, when a pan head 382 of the bolt 380 is tighteneduntil the compression surface 384 contacts a T-nut 370 (as shown withrespect to the bolt 330 and a T-nut 320), the annular portion 358 iscompressed, thus providing tension upon the connection between the bolt380 and the T-nut 370, but without resulting in any substantialdeformation to the left upper rear fender panel portion 61 at areasother than beneath the compression surface 384 of the bolt 380.Accordingly, due to the presence of these annular portions (e.g., 358 inFIG. 19), no significant aesthetic deformation is likely to result tothe left upper rear fender portion 61 despite full tightening of thebolts 330, 380 (as shown with respect to the bolt 330 in FIG. 19).

The left lower rear fender portion 58 is shown in FIGS. 15-19 tocomprise two pockets 312 and 362 at the attachment location 90. Each ofthe pockets 312, 362 defines a respective opening 314, 364 extendingthrough the left lower rear fender portion 58. For clarity ofdisclosure, it is noted that while pockets corresponding to therespective attachment locations 88, 89, 90 and 91 are visible in FIG. 8,the pockets are not depicted in FIGS. 3-5, as overlapping fender panelsmight be attached without use of pockets (e.g., as shown in FIGS.34-35).

For example, the pocket 312 is shown to be configured to receive a baseportion 322 of the T-nut 320 in a snap-fit arrangement such that a neckportion 324 of the T-nut 320 extends into the opening. The pocket 362can be similarly configured to receive the T-nut 370. The neck portion(e.g., 324) of each T-nut (e.g., 320) can define a threaded aperture(e.g., 326) such that a threaded end of a corresponding bolt (e.g., 330)may be received by the neck portion when the neck portion extendsthrough the opening (e.g., 314).

The pocket 312 can comprise a perimeter 313 which is configured toreceive the T-nut 320, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18. The perimeter 313can include two beveled corners 317 and 318 but can be otherwisegenerally rectangular, as also shown in FIGS. 16 and 18. The pocket 312is shown to also include a wall 343 and two corner stops 315 and 316. Inparticular, the wall 343 can extend from the perimeter 313 and caninclude notches 345 and 346 adjacent to each of the beveled corners 317and 318. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15-18, the notches 345 and346 can comprise apertures extending entirely through the left lowerrear fender portion 58. The beveled corners 317 and 318 and the notches345 and 346 are shown to together define the corner stops 315 and 316.

Once the T-nut 320 is inserted into the pocket 312, the corner stops 315and 316 can cooperate with the wall 343 and the aperture 310 tofacilitate retention of the T-nut 320 in the snap-fit arrangement withinthe pocket 312. In particular, once the T-nut 320 is inserted into thepocket 312, interaction of the neck portion 324 with the aperture 310and interaction of the base portion 322 with the wall 343 and the cornerstops 315, 316 can prevent the T-nut from easily being removed from thepocket 312. The pocket 362 can be configured similarly to the pocket 312as shown, for example, in FIGS. 15-19.

In order to facilitate attachment of the left upper rear fender portion61 to the left lower rear fender portion 58 at the attachment location90, the T-nuts 320, 370 can be inserted into the respective pockets 312,362 in a snap-fit arrangement as described above. The bolts 330, 380 canthen be inserted into the respective apertures 310, 360 in the leftupper rear fender portion 61 and into the threaded apertures (e.g., 326)of the respective T-nuts 320, 370 disposed within the respective pockets312, 362 of the left lower rear fender portion 58. As described above,once the T-nuts 320, 370 are inserted into the respective pockets 312,362, removal of the T-nuts 320, 370 from the respective pockets 312, 362may not be easily accomplished. Accordingly, there is typically no needto manually hold the T-nuts 320, 370 during insertion of the bolts 330,380 into the respective threaded apertures (e.g., 326) of the T-nuts320, 370 because the pockets 312, 362 can be configured to provide thisholding function. Because this configuration provides for automatic,hands-free retention of the T-nuts 320, 370, the process of assemblingthe left lower rear fender portion 58 and the left upper rear fenderportion 61 at the attachment location 90 is rendered quite simple.

It will be appreciated that overlapping panels might be attached (e.g.,at an attachment location) through use of any of a variety ofalternative fastener arrangements. For example, in one alternativeembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 34-35, respective panels 657 and 660(e.g., vehicular body panels such as fender panels) can be attachedthrough use of a bolt 630, a rubber boot 619, and a nut 620 whichdefines a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded end of the bolt630. The rubber boot 619 can be inserted through an aperture in thepanel 660, and the panel 657 can be arranged such that an aperture inthe panel 657 is aligned with the aperture in the panel 660. The bolt630 can then be threaded into the nut 620, as shown in FIG. 34. When thebolt 630 is tightened, the nut 620 is drawn toward the panels 657, 660,thus compressing and diametrically expanding the rubber boot 619, andresultantly securing the panels 657, 660 together.

As body panels for an ATV are typically manufactured (e.g., molded)within certain tolerances, a body panel can be slightly larger orsmaller than optimally desired, yet still fall within an acceptabletolerance limit. Accordingly, mounting apertures (e.g., for bolts)provided in body panels are often elongated to accommodate for tolerancevariations. Variations in a body panel's dimensions within the tolerancerange are often not visible to an onlooker of the vehicle. However,these variations can be noticeable, particularly when respective bodypanels meet at an irregular interface due to one or both of the bodypanels having dimensions approaching a tolerance limit.

One interface between respective body panels on the ATV 40 is shown tobe provided near the center of the ATV 40 (i.e., at the midpointfastener 118 shown in FIG. 20) where the front fender assembly 46 meetsthe rear fender assembly 56, as described below. Each of the front andrear fender assemblies 46, 56 can be attached to the frame 41 of the ATV40 at this interface. Since the location of this interface might be acommon focal point of the ATV 40, substantially no irregularity in thisinterface may be acceptable. As such, and in order that the ATV 40 mayconsistently display an image of quality and durability, it can beimportant that minimal variation/irregularity is provided between thefront and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 at this interface. To the extentthat either of the front and/or rear fender assemblies 46, 56 approachesa tolerance limit, any variations can be accommodated by adjustablefastener arrangements (e.g., involving elongated apertures in the bodypanels) provided adjacent to respective forward and rearward ends 106,107 of the ATV 40, as described below. In this arrangement, because theinterfaces between the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 and otherparts of the ATV 40 disposed near the forward and rearward ends 106, 107of the ATV 40 are not particularly prominent to onlookers of the ATV 40,it is unlikely that any variation in tolerance of either of the front orrear fender assemblies 46, 56 would be noticeable by an onlooker of theATV 40.

In particular, the frame 41 is shown in FIG. 3, for example, to extendfrom a forward end 108 to a rearward end 109. The frame 41 is shown tocomprise forward attachment structures (e.g., 110 in FIG. 6) disposedadjacent to the forward end 108 of the frame 41. The frame 41 is alsoshown to comprise rearward attachment structures (e.g., 111 in FIG. 26)disposed adjacent to the rearward end 109 of the frame 41. The frame 41is additionally shown to comprise midpoint attachment structures (e.g.,112 in FIGS. 22-23) disposed about midway between the forward end 108 ofthe frame 41 and the rearward end 109 of the frame 41.

The front fender assembly 46 is shown to be configured for attachment toeach of the forward attachment structure 110 and the midpoint attachmentstructure 112. The rear fender assembly 56 is shown to be configured forattachment to each of the midpoint attachment structure 112 and therearward attachment structure 111. As shown in FIGS. 21, 24, and 25, andas described in further detail below, a midpoint fastener 118 (e.g., athreaded bolt) can be inserted into aligning apertures 113, 115, 116respectively defined by the midpoint attachment structure 112 and byoverlapping portions of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56(e.g., left lower front and rear fender portions 48 and 58,respectively) to attach these overlapping portions to the midpointattachment structure 112. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24 and25, the aperture 113 in the midpoint attachment structure 112 comprisesa threaded aperture which is configured to receive a threaded end of themidpoint fastener 118. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25,for example, the aligning apertures 115 and 116 defined by the frontfender assembly 46 and the rear fender assembly 56 are shown to besubstantially round so as to allow little, if any, variability in termsof positioning of a forward end of the rear fender assembly 56 withrespect to a rearward end of the front fender assembly 46. In oneembodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 2 and 20, the aligning apertures115, 116, and 113 and the midpoint fastener 118 can be disposed at alocation vertically beneath a lowermost portion of the seat 96, and at alocation horizontally forward of a forwardmost portion of the seat 96.However, it will be appreciated that these features might be located inany of a variety of suitable configurations and arrangements on avehicle.

Also, while the midpoint fastener 118 is depicted for attachment of thefront fender assembly 46 and the rear fender assembly 56 on the leftside of the ATV 40, it will be appreciated that another midpointfastener might be provided for similarly attaching the front fenderassembly 46 and the rear fender assembly 56 on the right side of the ATV40. In particular, the midpoint fastener can comprise a left midpointfastener (e.g., 118) and a right midpoint fastener which arecorrespondingly disposed upon opposite sides of the ATV 40, wherein theleft midpoint fastener (e.g., 118) is inserted into the respectivealigning apertures (e.g., 115, 116, 113) defined by left portions ofeach of the front fender assembly (e.g., 46), the rear fender assembly(e.g., 56), and the midpoint attachment structure (e.g., 112), andwherein the right midpoint fastener is inserted into respective aligningapertures defined by right portions of each of the front fender assembly(e.g., 46), the rear fender assembly (e.g., 56), and the midpointattachment structure (e.g., 112).

In this configuration, the interface between the forward end of the rearfender assembly 56 and the rearward end of the front fender assembly 46can be substantially uniform or tight, and any variability in thedimensions of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 can beaccounted for at respective forward and rearward ends 108, 109 of theframe 41, at which locations the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56typically are not expected to tightly interface with other bodycomponents, and slight variations in fit (e.g., arising fromirregularity during molding of the fender assemblies) are not likely tobe noticeable. In order to provide this flexibility, the forward end ofthe front fender assembly 46 can be provided with elongated slottedapertures (e.g., 114 in FIG. 6), and the rearward end of the rear fenderassembly 56 can be provided with elongated slotted apertures (e.g., 117in FIG. 26). Fasteners (e.g., a bolt 121 in FIG. 6) can pass through theelongated slotted apertures (e.g., 114 in FIG. 6) in the front fenderassembly 46 and into threaded apertures in the forward attachmentstructure 110 of the frame 41. Likewise, fasteners (e.g., a bolt 122 inFIGS. 10, 12 and 26) can pass through the elongated slotted apertures(e.g., 117 in FIG. 26) in the rear fender assembly 56 and into threadedapertures (e.g., 136 in FIG. 26) in the rearward attachment structure111 of the frame 41. The midpoint fastener 118 accordingly provides adatum to facilitate a consistent interface between the front fenderassembly 46 and the rear fender assembly 56 such that tolerancevariability in at least one of the front fender assembly 46 and the rearfender assembly 56 results in variation in attachment to at least one ofthe forward attachment structure 110 and the rearward attachmentstructure 111 (instead of to the midpoint attachment structure 112).

The midpoint fasteners (e.g., 118) can be provided in any of a varietyof suitable configurations for attaching respective portions of thefront and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 to the frame 41. For example, inone particular embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21-25, the midpointfastener 118 is shown to comprise a bolt having a head 120 and athreaded end 119. A grommet 216 is shown to surround a portion of themidpoint fastener 118. The grommet 216 can be disposed between the frontfender assembly 46 (e.g., the left lower front fender portion 48) andthe rear fender assembly 56 (e.g., the left lower rear fender portion58) to prevent the front fender assembly 46 from contacting the rearfender assembly 56 adjacent to the midpoint fastener 118. By preventingsuch contact, the grommet 216 prevents abrasion to the respective frontand rear fender assemblies 46, 56 resulting from contact of the frontand rear fender assemblies 46, 56. The grommet 216 can also be disposedbetween each of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 and theframe 41 to prevent each of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56from contacting the frame 41. In this configuration, heat from the frame41 (e.g., initially radiated from the ATV's engine) is less likely to beconducted to the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56, and warpingand discoloration of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 canaccordingly be prevented. Accordingly, in the fastening arrangement ofFIGS. 21-25, portions of both the front and rear fender assemblies 46,56 can be attached to common locations of the frame 41, but withoutcontacting each other or the frame 41.

In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22-25, the grommet216 can have an exterior surface 218 and can define a bore 220 extendinglongitudinally from a first end 222 to a second end 224. The midpointfastener 118 can pass through the bore 220, as shown in FIGS. 24-25. Theexterior surface 218 can define an annular channel 226 having a reduceddiameter as compared to longitudinally adjacent annular portions 228,230 of the grommet 216 disposed upon opposite sides of the annularchannel 226. One of the longitudinally adjacent annular portions (i.e.,230) is shown to define the first end 222, while the other of thelongitudinally adjacent annular portions (i.e., 228) is shown to definethe second end 224. The grommet 216 can be disposed, as in FIGS. 22-25,such that the aperture 115 in the front fender assembly 46 surrounds theannular channel 226, and such that a portion of the front fenderassembly 46 (e.g., a portion of the left lower front fender portion 48)is retained within the annular channel 226. In one embodiment, as shownin FIGS. 22-25, the first end 222 of the grommet 216 can contact therear fender assembly 56 (e.g., a portion of the left lower rear fenderportion 58) adjacent to the aperture 116 in the rear fender assembly 56.Though the grommet 216 can comprise any of a variety of materials, inone embodiment, the grommet 216 can comprise a resilient material suchas rubber.

In one embodiment, a sleeve 210 can be provided within the bore 220 ofthe grommet 216 such that the bore 220 surrounds the sleeve 210. Thesleeve 210 can define a longitudinally extending bore 212. As shown inFIGS. 24-25, the midpoint fastener 118 can pass through the bore 212 inthe sleeve 210 such that the sleeve 210 surrounds a portion of themidpoint fastener 118 and is disposed between the grommet 216 and themidpoint fastener 118. In this embodiment, the midpoint fastener 118 isconfigured to compress the grommet 216 between the rear fender assembly56 and the midpoint attachment structure 112 of the frame 41.

The sleeve 210 can be positioned and configured so as to limitcompression of the grommet 216 by the midpoint fastener 118. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24-25, the sleeve 210 can contact themidpoint attachment structure 112 of the frame 41 and can additionallyextend into the aperture 116 in the rear fender assembly 56 forcontacting the head 120 of the midpoint fastener 118 upon tightening ofthe midpoint fastener 118. The head 120 can also contact the rear fenderassembly 56 as shown in FIGS. 24-25. As also shown in FIGS. 24-25, thesleeve 210 can comprise a radially extended portion 214 for contactingand distributing force across a larger surface area of the midpointattachment structure 112 of the frame 41. In such circumstance, thesecond end 224 of the grommet 216 can contact the radially extendedportion 214 such that the grommet 216 is compressed between the rearfender assembly 56 and the radially extended portion 214 of the sleeve210. Though the sleeve 210 can comprise any of a variety of materials,in one embodiment, the sleeve 210 can comprise metal such as stainlesssteel. In addition to limiting compression as described above, thesleeve 210 can also serve to help prevent transfer of heat from theframe 41 and/or midpoint fastener 118 to the front and rear fenderassemblies 46, 56. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments,the positions of the front and rear fender assemblies 46, 56 may bereversed with respect to the midpoint fastener 118, the grommet 216and/or the sleeve 210.

A fuel tank cover 190 is shown in FIGS. 20-22 to comprise a body panelwhich is disposed adjacent to the left lower rear fender portion 58 andthe left lower front fender portion 48. In one embodiment, the fuel tankcover can be integrally provided by the upper front fender panel 50.However, in another embodiment, the fuel tank cover can be provided as aseparate component from the upper front fender panel 50. In eithercircumstance, the fuel tank cover 190 can comprise a tab 194 whichdefines an aperture 191. A fastener (e.g., a push pin 192) can beinserted through the aperture 191 and through an aperture 196 (FIG. 23)in a portion of the left lower front fender portion 48 to facilitate anindirect attachment of the fuel tank cover 190 to the midpointattachment structure 112 of the frame 41. In particular, the push pin192 is shown to be located adjacent to the midpoint fastener 118 suchthat the fuel tank cover 190 is indirectly attached to the frame 41 byway of the midpoint fastener 118 and the left lower front fender portion48. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the push pin 192 can beconcealed from view by the left lower rear fender portion 58. In anotherembodiment, a fuel tank cover might additionally or alternatively beattached with one or more push pins or other fasteners to one or morecomponents of the ATV 40 other than the left lower front fender portion48.

The rear fender assembly 56 can be supported with respect to the frame41 through use of fewer elongated metal wire stays than are present uponconventional ATVs for supporting fenders. However, a limited number ofelongated metal wire stays might be provided in some circumstances tosupport portions of the rear fender assembly 56. In particular, as shownin FIGS. 29-30, the lowermost portion of the left lower rear fenderportion 58 can be supported by a stay assembly 420 with respect to theframe 41 and with respect to an adjacent mudguard 412 and footrest 410.A similar arrangement can be provided upon a right side of the ATV 40.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, it can be seen that the stayassembly 420 can comprise two elongated metal wires 422 and 424.Although it is contemplated that the elongated metal wires 422, 424 canbe formed from spring-type steel, it will be appreciated that theelongated metal wires 422, 424 might alternatively be formed from someother material(s). Each of the elongated metal wires 422, 424 are shownto be attached to each of the frame 41, the left lower rear fenderportion 58, the footrest 410, and the mudguard 412. In otherembodiments, it will be appreciated that a stay assembly might compriseonly a single elongated metal wire, or might alternatively comprise morethan two elongated metal wires.

Each of the elongated metal wires 422, 424 are shown to be attached tothe left lower rear fender portion 58 at a common location. Inparticular, a bolt 428 is shown to be provided for passage through anaperture in the left lower rear fender portion 58, through an end 440 ofthe elongated metal wire 422, and into a swivel clip 427 which wrapsaround a portion of the elongated metal wire 424. In other embodiments,the elongated metal wires of a stay assembly can be attached to a fenderportion in alternative configurations (e.g., at different locations).

The elongated metal wires 422, 424 are shown to attach to the frame 41at differing locations. In particular, the elongated metal wire 424 isshown to have an end 425 which is wrapped around a bolt 426 which can beinserted into a threaded aperture in the frame 41. While thisconfiguration is effective for attaching an end of an elongated metalwire to a frame of a vehicle, it does not provide an effectivearrangement for attaching a middle portion of an elongated metal wire toa frame, as it would require overly complex bending of the elongatedmetal wire and would facilitate insufficient flexibility of movement bythe attached components. An attempt to weld a mounting bracket to amiddle portion of an elongated metal wire can result indisadvantageously affecting the resiliency and tensile strength of theelongated metal wire.

As such, the elongated metal wire 422 is shown to be attached to theframe 41 through use of a swivel clip 454 which surrounds a longitudinalportion 423 of the elongated metal wire 422. As described in furtherdetail below, the swivel clip 454 can facilitate attachment of theelongated metal wire 422 to the frame 41, but can also facilitate atleast some movement of the elongated metal wire 422 with respect to theframe 41. The elongated metal wire 422 is shown to be attached to theleft lower rear fender portion 58 and the mudguard 412 on opposite sidesof the longitudinal portion 423 of the elongated metal wire 422. Theelongated metal wire 422 is also shown to be attached to the mudguard412 on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion 423 of the elongatedmetal wire 422. The swivel clip 454 can be attached to the frame 41through use of a bolt 468, for example. In other embodiments, respectiveelongated metal wires may be attached to a frame in any of a variety ofalternative configurations.

The elongated metal wires 422, 424 are shown to be attached to themudguard 412 at differing locations. In particular, the elongated metalwire 424 is shown to be attached to the mudguard 412 with bolts 430, 434inserted through apertures in the mudguard 412 and into respectiveswivel clips 429, 433. The elongated metal wire 422 is shown to beattached to the mudguard 412 with bolts 432, 436 inserted throughapertures in the mudguard 412 and into respective swivel clips 431, 435.In other embodiments, respective elongated metal wires may be attachedto a mudguard in any of a variety of alternative configurations for atleast partially supporting the mudguard with respect to a footrest,frame, and rear fender assembly of an ATV.

The elongated metal wires 422, 424 are shown to be attached to thefootrest 410 at differing locations. In particular, an end of theelongated metal wire 424 is shown to be inserted into an aperture in thefootrest 410 for securement to the footrest 410. An end 442 of theelongated metal wire 422 is shown to be wrapped around a bolt 443 whichcan be inserted into a threaded aperture in the footrest 410. In otherembodiments, respective elongated metal wires may be attached to afootrest in any of a variety of alternative configurations.

It can be seen that the stay assembly 420, and in particular theelongated metal wires 422, 424, can be configured to facilitateconsistent spacing between the mudguard 412 and the left lower rearfender portion 58 of the rear fender assembly 56. As such, during use ofthe ATV 40, the position of the mudguard 412 is unlikely to movesignificantly with respect to the rear fender assembly 56, and debris isless likely to be caught within a gap between the mudguard 412 and theleft lower rear fender portion 58 of the rear fender assembly 56 (e.g.,as compared to a conventional ATV having the arrangement depicted inFIG. 33).

As previously indicated, and as shown in further detail in FIGS. 31-32,the elongated metal wire 422 is shown to be attached to the frame 41through use of a swivel clip 454. The swivel clip 454 is shown tocomprise a retention portion 456 and a mounting portion 458. In oneembodiment, the swivel clip 454 can comprise a ribbon 462 which isformed from metal or some other material(s). The ribbon 462 can extendfrom a first end 464 to a second end 466. A portion of the ribbon 462(e.g., the retention portion 456) can at least partially surround thelongitudinal portion 423 of the elongated metal wire 422 such that thefirst end 464 overlaps the second end 466. The retention portion 456 isshown to be located about midway along the ribbon 462 between the firstend 464 and the second end 466.

Once overlapped in this manner, and as shown in FIGS. 31-32, the firstand second ends 464, 466 can be attached to the frame 41 such that theelongated metal wire 422 is movably attached to the frame 41 by theribbon 462. In particular, the mounting portion 458 of the ribbon 462can include the first end 464 of the ribbon 462 which defines anaperture 465, and the second end 466 of the ribbon 462 which defines anaperture 467. The frame 41 can define a threaded aperture 470. The bolt468 can pass through a washer 469, through the apertures 465, 467, andthen into the threaded aperture 470 to facilitate attachment of theswivel clip 454 to the frame 41.

It will be appreciated that this movable attachment of the elongatedmetal wire 422 to the frame 41 by the swivel clip 454 can involve atleast some rotation of the longitudinal portion 423 with respect to theframe 41 and/or at least some longitudinal motion of the longitudinalportion 423 with respect to the frame 41. By allowing some movement ofthe longitudinal portion 423 with respect to the frame 41, it will beappreciated that the swivel clip 454 reduces the amount of bending orother force which might otherwise be imposed upon the rear fenderassembly 56 and/or the footrest 410 if the longitudinal portion 423 wererigidly secured to the frame 41.

To attach a lowermost end of the left lower rear fender portion 58 tothe frame 41 of the ATV 40, the elongated metal wire 422 can be attachedto the left lower rear fender portion 58 and to the mudguard 412 onopposite sides of the longitudinal portion 423 of the elongated metalwire 422, as shown in FIGS. 29-30. The elongated metal wire 422 can alsobe attached to the mudguard 412 on opposite sides of the longitudinalportion 423 of the elongated metal wire 422, as also shown in FIGS.29-30. The ribbon 462 can be wrapped at least partially around thelongitudinal portion 423 of the elongated metal wire 422 such that therespective apertures 465, 467 in the first and second ends 464, 466 ofthe ribbon 462 are aligned. The bolt 468 can then be inserted throughthe apertures 465, 467 in the ribbon 462 and into the threaded aperture470 provided in the frame 41 of the ATV 40 to facilitate movableattachment of the elongated metal wire 422 with respect to the frame 41of the ATV 40.

It will be appreciated that fender panels can be provided for a vehiclesuch as an ATV in any of a variety of other suitable configurations. Forexample, in one alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 36, 36 a, 37,38, and 38 a, an ATV can include a frame 741 and front and rear fenderassemblies 746, 756 provided in an overlapping arrangement. Inparticular, the front fender assembly 746 is shown to comprise a lowerfront fender panel 747 and an upper front fender panel 750. The lowerfront fender panel 747 is shown to extend to an outer perimeter 753, andthe upper front fender panel 750 is shown to extend to an outerperimeter 754. The lower front fender panel 747 is shown to comprise aleft lower front fender portion 748 and a right lower front fenderportion 749, and to have a top surface 748 a and a bottom surface 748 b.The upper front fender panel 750 is shown to comprise a left upper frontfender portion 751 and a right upper front fender portion 752, and tohave a top surface 751 a and a bottom surface 751 b. Both the lower andupper front fender panels 747 and 750 can together provide a fender forleft and right front wheels of an ATV, can each receive contact fromdebris thrown from the left and right front wheels, and can also eachserve as a decorative body panel, such as described above with respectto the embodiment of FIGS. 1-12 and 14-32.

The rear fender assembly 756 is shown to comprise a lower rear fenderpanel 757 and an upper rear fender panel 760. The lower rear fenderpanel 757 is shown to extend to an outer perimeter 763, and the upperrear fender panel 760 is shown to extend to an outer perimeter 764. Thelower rear fender panel 757 is shown to comprise a left lower rearfender portion 758 and a right lower rear fender portion 759, and tohave a top surface 758 a and a bottom surface 758 b. The upper rearfender panel 760 is shown to comprise a left upper rear fender portion761 and a right upper rear fender portion 762, and to have a top surface761 a and a bottom surface 761 b. Similar to the arrangement describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1-12 and 14-32, both the lower and upperrear fender panels 757 and 760 can together provide a fender for leftand right rear wheels of an ATV, can each receive contact from debristhrown from the left and right rear wheels, and can also each serve as adecorative body panel. Channels are shown in FIGS. 36, 36 a, 37, 38, and38 a to be provided in the front and rear fender assemblies 746 and 756to facilitate passage of fluid along one or more predetermined pathways,such as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-12 and14-32. Some or all of the other features described above with respect tothe embodiment of FIGS. 1-12 and 14-32 may also be provided in theembodiment of FIGS. 36, 36 a, 37, 38, and 38 a, some of which aredepicted in FIGS. 36, 36 a, 37, 38, and 38 a.

While many of the foregoing features involve respective fender panels,it will be appreciated that other embodiments might involve other typesof respective panels which may or may not comprise body panels such asmight be provided upon a vehicle.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms described. Numerousmodifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some ofthose modifications have been discussed, and others will be understoodby those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best illustrate various embodiments as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is hereby intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. An all terrain vehicle comprising: a frame; a wheel supported withrespect to the frame; and a fender assembly comprising: a lower fenderpanel having a first top surface and a first bottom surface andextending from a first inner end to a first outer end, wherein the firstinner end is attached to the frame, and wherein the first bottom surfaceis positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by the wheel; and anupper fender panel having a second top surface and a second bottomsurface and extending from a second inner end to a second outer end,wherein the second inner end is attached to the frame, the upper fenderpanel is attached to the lower fender panel at an attachment locationadjacent to at least one of the first outer end and the second outerend, and the second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact fromdebris thrown by the wheel; wherein each of the lower fender panel andthe upper fender panel extends at least partially over the wheel, andthe lower fender panel and the upper fender panel cooperate tofacilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection;and a portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a portion of thelower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both an accessopening and a channel, and wherein the channel at least partiallyoverlies the wheel and is disposed between the first inner end and theattachment location.
 2. The all terrain vehicle of claim 1 wherein theaccess opening is directed toward a forward end of the all terrainvehicle, and wherein a predetermined egress opening is at leastpartially defined by the lower fender panel.
 3. The all terrain vehicleof claim 2 wherein the channel extends in a direction which is generallylongitudinally oriented from the forward end of the all terrain vehicleto a rearward end of the all terrain vehicle.
 4. An all terrain vehiclecomprising: a frame; a wheel supported with respect to the frame; and afender assembly comprising: a lower fender panel having a first topsurface and a first bottom surface and extending from a first inner endto a first outer end, wherein the first inner end is attached to theframe, and wherein the first bottom surface is positioned to receivecontact from debris thrown by the wheel; and an upper fender panelhaving a second top surface and a second bottom surface and extendingfrom a second inner end to a second outer end, wherein the second innerend is attached to the frame, the upper fender panel is attached to thelower fender panel at an attachment location adjacent to at least one ofthe first outer end and the second outer end, and the second bottomsurface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by thewheel; wherein each of the lower fender panel and the upper fender panelextends at least partially over the wheel, and the lower fender paneland the upper fender panel cooperate to facilitate resistance of theattachment location to vertical deflection; and the first inner endcontacts the second inner end, a fastener passes into aligned aperturesin each of the first inner end, the second inner end, and the frame, andthe upper fender panel contacts the lower fender panel at the attachmentlocation.
 5. The all terrain vehicle of claim 1 wherein each of thelower fender panel and the upper fender panel comprises plastic.
 6. Theall terrain vehicle of claim 1 wherein the lower fender panel comprisesa leg depending beneath the first bottom surface adjacent to the firstinner end, and wherein the leg is configured to laterally compressagainst the frame.
 7. An all terrain vehicle comprising: a frame; awheel supported with respect to the frame; and a fender assemblycomprising: a lower fender panel having a first top surface and a firstbottom surface and extending from a first inner end to a first outerend, wherein the first inner end is attached to the frame, and whereinthe first bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debristhrown by the wheel; and an upper fender panel having a second topsurface and a second bottom surface and extending from a second innerend to a second outer end, wherein the second inner end is attached tothe frame, the upper fender panel is attached to the lower fender panelat an attachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outerend and the second outer end, and the second bottom surface ispositioned to receive contact from debris thrown by the wheel; whereineach of the lower fender panel and the upper fender panel extends atleast partially over the wheel, and the lower fender panel and the upperfender panel cooperate to facilitate resistance of the attachmentlocation to vertical deflection; the lower fender panel comprises a legdepending beneath the first bottom surface adjacent to the first innerend, and wherein the leg is configured to laterally compress against theframe; and the leg comprises a rubber bumper configured to contact theframe.
 8. An all terrain vehicle comprising: a frame; a wheel supportedwith respect to the frame; and a fender assembly comprising: a lowerfender panel having a first top surface and a first bottom surface andextending from a first inner end to a first outer end, wherein the firstinner end is attached to the frame, and wherein the first bottom surfaceis positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by the wheel; and anupper fender panel having a second top surface and a second bottomsurface and extending from a second inner end to a second outer end,wherein the second inner end is attached to the frame, the upper fenderpanel is attached to the lower fender panel at an attachment locationadjacent to at least one of the first outer end and the second outerend, and the second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact fromdebris thrown by the wheel; wherein each of the lower fender panel andthe upper fender panel extends at least partially over the wheel, andthe lower fender panel and the upper fender panel cooperate tofacilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection;and the attachment location is adjacent to the second outer end, andwherein the first outer end defines an outer perimeter of the fenderassembly.
 9. The all terrain vehicle of claim 1 wherein a portion of thefirst top surface provides a decorative body surface, and wherein atleast a portion of the second top surface provides a decorative bodysurface.
 10. An all terrain vehicle comprising: a frame; a wheelsupported with respect to the frame; and a fender assembly comprising: alower fender panel having a first top surface and a first bottom surfaceand extending from a first inner end to a first outer end, wherein thefirst inner end is attached to the frame, and wherein the first bottomsurface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by thewheel; and an upper fender panel having a second top surface and asecond bottom surface and extending from a second inner end to a secondouter end, wherein the second inner end is attached to the frame, theupper fender panel is attached to the lower fender panel at anattachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outer end andthe second outer end, and the second bottom surface is positioned toreceive contact from debris thrown by the wheel; wherein each of thelower fender panel and the upper fender panel extends at least partiallyover the wheel, and the lower fender panel and the upper fender panelcooperate to facilitate resistance of the attachment location tovertical deflection; and at least one of the lower fender panel and theupper fender panel continuously extends from a left side of the allterrain vehicle to a right side of the all terrain vehicle.
 11. An allterrain vehicle comprising: a frame; a wheel supported with respect tothe frame; and a fender assembly comprising: a lower fender panelextending from a first inner end to a first outer end; and an upperfender panel extending from a second inner end to a second outer end,the upper fender panel attached to the lower fender panel at anattachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outer end andthe second outer end; wherein each of the lower fender panel and theupper fender panel extends at least partially over the wheel, a portionof the upper fender panel cooperates with a portion of the lower fenderpanel in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening and achannel, the channel at least partially overlies the wheel and isdisposed between the first inner end and the attachment location, thechannel is configured to facilitate passage of fluid along apredetermined pathway from the access opening to a predetermined egressopening, and the lower fender panel and the upper fender panel cooperateto support the attachment location with respect to the frame tofacilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection;and the attachment location is adjacent to the second outer end, andwherein the first outer end defines an outer perimeter of the fenderassembly.
 12. The all terrain vehicle of claim 11 wherein the channelextends in a direction which is generally longitudinally oriented from aforward end of the all terrain vehicle to a rearward end of the allterrain vehicle.
 13. The all terrain vehicle of claim 12 wherein theaccess opening is directed toward the forward end of the all terrainvehicle, and wherein the predetermined egress opening is at leastpartially defined by the lower fender panel.
 14. The all terrain vehicleof claim 11 wherein the first inner end contacts the second inner end, afastener passes into aligned apertures in each of the first inner end,the second inner end, and the frame, and the upper fender panel contactsthe lower fender panel at the attachment location.
 15. The all terrainvehicle of claim 11 wherein at least one of the lower fender panel andthe upper fender panel continuously extends from a left side of the allterrain vehicle to a right side of the all terrain vehicle.
 16. An allterrain vehicle comprising: a frame; a left wheel supported with respectto the frame; a right wheel supported with respect to the frame; and afender assembly comprising: a lower fender panel extending from a firstinner end to a first outer end, the first inner end being attached tothe frame; and an upper fender panel extending from a second inner endto a second outer end, the second inner end being attached to the frame,the upper fender panel being attached to the lower fender panel at anattachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outer end andthe second outer end; wherein each of the lower fender panel and theupper fender panel extends at least partially over each of the leftwheel and the right wheel, and wherein the lower fender panel and theupper fender panel cooperate to support the attachment location tofacilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection;and the attachment location is adjacent to the second outer end, and thefirst outer end defines an outer perimeter of the fender assembly. 17.The all terrain vehicle of claim 16 wherein a portion of the upperfender panel cooperates with a portion of the lower fender panel in aspaced relationship to define a channel at least partially overlying oneof the left wheel and the right wheel and disposed between the firstinner end and the attachment location, and wherein the channel extendsin a direction which is generally longitudinally oriented from a forwardend of the all terrain vehicle to a rearward end of the all terrainvehicle.
 18. The all terrain vehicle of claim 16 wherein the first innerend contacts the second inner end, a fastener passes into alignedapertures in each of the first inner end, the second inner end, and theframe, and the upper fender panel contacts the lower fender panel at theattachment location.
 19. The all terrain vehicle of claim 16 wherein theleft wheel and the right wheel comprise rear wheels and the fenderassembly extends at least partially over the rear wheels.
 20. The allterrain vehicle of claim 4 wherein each of the lower fender panel andthe upper fender panel comprises plastic.
 21. The all terrain vehicle ofclaim 4 wherein the lower fender panel comprises a leg depending beneaththe first lower surface adjacent to the first inner end, and wherein theleg is configured to laterally compress against the frame.
 22. The allterrain vehicle of claim 8 wherein each of the lower fender panel andthe upper fender panel comprises plastic.
 23. The all terrain vehicle ofclaim 8 wherein the lower fender panel comprises a leg depending beneaththe first lower surface adjacent to the first inner end, and wherein theleg is configured to laterally compress against the frame.
 24. The allterrain vehicle of claim 10 wherein each of the lower fender panel andthe upper fender panel comprises plastic.
 25. The all terrain vehicle ofclaim 10 wherein the lower fender panel comprises a leg dependingbeneath the first lower surface adjacent to the first inner end, andwherein the leg is configured to laterally compress against the frame.26. The all terrain vehicle of claim 4 wherein a portion of the firsttop surface provides a decorative body surface, and wherein at least aportion of the second top surface provides a decorative body surface.27. The all terrain vehicle of claim 8 wherein a portion of the firsttop surface provides a decorative body surface, and wherein at least aportion of the second top surface provides a decorative body surface.28. The all terrain vehicle of claim 10 wherein a portion of the firsttop surface provides a decorative body surface, and wherein at least aportion of the second top surface provides a decorative body surface.